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Edmonton-based conservation group acquires local nature sanctuary

The Edmonton and Area Land Trust (EALT), a non-profit conservation group, announced on Jan. 17 it had secured a quarter section of a nature sanctuary located near Darwell, Alta.

The Lu Carbyn Nature Sanctuary consists of undisturbed boreal forest and wetlands. It is home to numerous wildlife species, such as moose, deer, coyote, bats, beavers and lynx.

EALT noted in a press release that the area also supports 95 bird species, including loon, trumpeter swans, great blue heron and many types of songbirds.

Lu Carbyn, a wildlife biologist with the University of Alberta, donated the area.

“Donating the Lu Carbyn Nature Sanctuary to the Edmonton and Area Land Trust is just another step along the way to foster promoting avian conservation on many fronts, most importantly for teaching young and old about bird identification. It also gives me great satisfaction to leave this world a bit better for my grandchildren and their grandchildren,” Carbyn said.

This area adds conservation value to a larger region due to being located near the Lily Lake Natural Area and several other protected areas. EALT assured that the Lu Carbyn Nature Sanctuary would continue to support a high level of biodiversity.

“Lu couldn’t have chosen a more generous gift than the gift of nature, by donating this incredibly biodiverse land to EALT. We are in his debt and are conscious that he is entrusting his land and legacy for EALT to steward forever for use by the citizens of the region,” said EALT executive director Pam Wight.

EALT noted that the nature sanctuary already contains a walking trail system that allows people to explore the area and "reconnect with nature."

This is the 10th conservation area that EALT has secured under its stewardship.